The Alpha's Exchanged Mate
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 168

Edwina’s POV…

Staring dolled-eyed at the newborn, I was beyond mesmerized at her sight. Sonia looked more smitten than I was, even as they took her to the bathroom to wash up. The look on her face was priceless. My sister is finally a mother.

“It’s a baby girl!” The theta announced. But my ears weren’t even working anymore; those beautiful eyes got me roped in.

“She looks so beautiful.” Becca sniffed behind me.

It was obvious she had been crying. It turns out it wasn’t just me. The theta placed the newborn cub in Sonia’s hands as she rested on the bed after getting cleaned up.

“Come carry her, Edwina,” Sonia called out to me.

I practically ran to her at the invitation. “You want me to?” I asked, sitting with caution next to her.

Sonia smiled brightly, handing the child over to me carefully. “Here you go.”

She felt so light in my arms I was almost scared she would fall off my hands.

“What would you like to name her?” Sonia inquired next to me. I almost fell off the bed.

“Really?” I whispered in an unrecognizable voice.

“Yes.” Responded Sonia.

I looked towards Becca, uncertain as to what I was supposed to say. “No name is coming up. I can’t seem to pick out any name.”

Sonia chuckled, “take your time. She is right there in your arms. Her name would naturally come to you the moment you look her right in the face.”

Taking Sonia’s advice, I stared down at the purest face I have ever been chanced to see in my lifetime. There was no way I would forget this day and this face in a hurry. Thoughts of how she had been conceived ran through my mind. To think she had survived the storm to come out so beautiful and innocent.

Sonia placed a hand on my shoulders as if reading my thoughts. “I know this isn’t the appropriate time to do this. But I am begging you, Edwina, to please find a place in your heart to forgive me. I have been an awful sister to you, and all you have done in return is be loving and caring towards me. I don’t want you to see her as the seed of the mistakes her parents have made. Please don’t take your anger out on her. I want and need you to accept her as your daughter. Please, Edwina!” Tears dropped off her face as she held tightly onto my arm like her life depended on it.

I blinked, trying to keep my tears away, but they weren’t ready to do my bidding. A tear dropped on the newborn’s cover cloth. I tried not to see Ben’s eyes in hers, but it was clear she already was her father’s daughter.

I knew there was no way I would love her less. I already fell in love with her the very day Sonia made me feel like her very own sister.

I sniffed, “Star would be her name. Being a luminous dot in the dark night that has refused to be taken down. She would always shine even in the darkest of nights. Welcome, my baby.” I kissed her forehead.

Sonia pulled me into herself, kissing my hair. We both stared at the Star like she was a piece of gold.

“Star Sinclair.” My sister muttered.

I glanced at her hurriedly, wondering why she would want to deprive Star of being affiliated with her father. “Why Sinclair, Sonia?”

Sonia gulped, “Neither Ben nor I deserve to be called her parents. Our inconsiderate self and covetous attitude had almost killed our child. If you weren’t so kindhearted, the both of us would have been long gone by now. All I hope is for her to be able to live a good life without getting tagged with the stigma of a cheating mother and a father who is a betrayer. She deserves better than that.” She held my arm again. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me this chance at life again, Edwina. I promise to never take it for granted.”

I couldn’t control the tears that escaped my eyes. This was the most I have heard Sonia say to me in a span of five minutes. Her eyes gave off all of the emotions she was feeling. Excitement flowed through me as I couldn’t wait for this newfound family and love of ours to begin.

“I am going to hold a large feast to dedicate Star to the goddess,” I announced, grinning from ear to ear.

“We can’t do that yet, ” Sonia muttered

“Why?” I questioned, seeming surprised.

“That might get the attention of Ben’s spies, and they would surely head out to tell him about the birth of his daughter. I don’t want him anywhere near her.” She responded.

Handing Star over to her, I nodded in agreement. “That’s very true. There is really no need to involve him in this.”

“You would be safe here as long as it’s in the packhouse.”

“So..” I began turning towards Sonia as she kept her gaze locked with so much love for her newborn. I have a feeling Sonia won’t sleep a wink. “What would you like for a gift?”I asked her.

Sonia raised her head a bit to enable her to think well. “I haven’t really decided yet. But for now, I am hungry.”

“You should make her some nutritious porridge first.” The theta said from behind me. I had almost forgotten they were there.

“I am so sorry, theta. It’s really the spur of the moment. Thanks for helping us out.” I said to her.

“It’s all okay, Luna. We are set now and will take our leave. I would send another iota in the next few minutes to come to check her up. And you let us know if she feels some type of way.” The theta announced, nodding towards her iota to follow her.

“Thanks so much for your help. I will be sure to contact you.” I said to her before turning my attention back to Sonia.

“Can you help me with the food, please?” I muttered at Becca.

She nodded her head smiling, “definitely I would.” Becca responded, walking away.

I crawled back into the bed with Sonia and Star. The both of us watched as Star’s breath rise and fell. I took the child from Sonia as she fell asleep; the birthing session had exhausted the whole of her.

Laying Star next to her, I watched as they both slept peacefully, making my heart beat with extreme gratitude.